Winter has arrived Down Under and the cold & flu season is upon us. Although I have chronic sinus issues, I rarely take prescriptions or over-the-counter medications for relief (but stay tuned because I think I need surgery again). And I never take that stuff for a common cold, nor does Mr M or Master T. I do take paracetamol for extreme pain when needed (I am human after all). But I wish I didn’t and I’m always impressed when I speak to someone who NEVER takes medication, like Cyndi O’Meara.
Of course the key to not needing medications is to not get sick. And to not get sick, you need a kick-ass immune system. Which is all good in a perfect world. And we all know we don’t live in a perfect world. So, what do you do if you get sick and don’t want to take over-the-counter cold and flu meds?
Almost everyone over does at Christmas and New Year. All that booze, cheese, crackers, chocolates and celebrating can really suck you in and before you know it you’re eating everything in sight (well, I hope it’s not just me!!). But why not overindulge? Everyone deserves a little down time and enjoyment at the end the year. But too much enjoyment often results in not really enjoying anything (when you need up ill).
As you know, I am constantly battling food to see what works and what doesn’t. But at this time of year I don’t fight it. I eat whatever I want, when I want and don’t feel guilty about it. But, I don’t throw away all my good sense!! There are still a few things I continue to do that I know keeps me healthy amid all the chocolate covered chaos.
These immune boosting habits are great all-year round, but especially when you know your body needs a kick up the keister.
I’ve been on a free-for-all diet for the past 6 weeks or so and I must say, I feel happier emotionally but I won’t lie, physically, I’ve felt better.
I have not worked-out since early June. It’s winter and I just do not have the motivation. I’ve also been back in the swing of work and for now, I’m happy writing and achieving goals there. Mentally though, I am preparing to return to a regular fitness routine on September 1st.
Considering all of this, my tummy issues have mostly disappeared. The severe, daily bloating has stopped and I am convinced Inner Health is the reason.
Inner Health is a pro-biotic capsule that contains 25 billion good bacteria per supplement. Any largeness to my tummy is now fat. Plain and simple. And a bit disappointing.
I used to take IH years ago and I don’t know why I stopped or had not tried it earlier this year when I was having so many stomach issues. Daily acidophilus yogurt is not enough but delicious so I still love to eat it.
Another thing that has been working for me it stepping away from the wheat. I’m not banning it anymore but when I begin to feel crappy, I reduce my wheat intake considerably.
I have also started to take a herbal laxative. It comes in the form of tea and it is easy to drink. The downside of this of course is the stomach cramps and need to be near a toilet. It doesn’t last long and it generally takes 10-12 hours to kick in so it’s all about getting the timing right.
Here’s what I believe is working for me to reduce bloating:
Daily Inner Health Plus Dairy Free
Starting my day with hot lemon and water (before anything else is consumed)
Reducing wheat
Drinking herbal laxative tea – once or twice a week
I reckon once I return to my fitness routine, I will feel pretty darn good. And hopefully look like this again.
Taken April 2013. This is my inspiration. It’s not the best my body has looked but I’d take it over today’s mirror reflection.
Kai Chronicles 